For Rasheed Davis, a physician assistant (PA-C) based in Suffolk County, New York, the medical field has always been about making a difference. But after working in the fast-paced world of emergency medicine, she sought a new path — one that allowed her to truly connect with people.
She found that path with Signify Health, where she works part-time as a clinician, all while maintaining her full-time role as a professor in patient health education and health promotion.
In-home opportunities: meeting members where they are
Rasheed's decision to join Signify Health was driven by the core desire to meet health plan members where they are.
"Coming from an emergency background where it's fast-paced, now I have the opportunity to change pace and actually see members at home," she explains.
For Rasheed, the most rewarding aspect of her role is the human connection.
“What gets me up and motivated to see members every day is that I get to talk to them. I get to go into their homes and have a conversation with them. Spending up to an hour assessing their health, answering questions and talking about each member's health journey creates the opportunity to make a real connection. That's my favorite part.”
She takes every opportunity to educate too, which she cites as another highlight of her work with Signify Health. A regular opportunity for education happens during the medication review portion of the in-home visit. For example, Rasheed recalls fielding questions about muscle cramps — a common side effect of using a statin.
“In these cases, I’ll say, ‘listen, this is a very common side effect of these medications. If the issue gets worse or you can't sleep, you can speak with your provider.’ So now, the member is aware of potential side effects of their medication.”
The life-saving impact of home visits
While the slower pace allows for deep connection, Rasheed’s work is far from mundane. Her visits often uncover serious, time-sensitive health issues, proving the critical importance of an evaluation in the home.
She recalls a rainy Sunday when she visited a member and, while checking vitals, recorded a dangerously low heart rate of 34 beats per minute.
“I said, ‘Well, we have to get you to the hospital because a 34 heart rate is not good.’”
The member was taken to urgent care, where an electrocardiogram (EKG) led to an immediate ambulance transfer. The person was then admitted to the hospital to undergo an ablation procedure for a severely low heart rate (bradycardia).
Soon after, the member’s spouse followed up with Signify Health, expressing deep gratitude for Rasheed and the visit.
"They felt like if I didn't come on that Sunday morning, things could have gone differently," Rasheed says. "This is why I do what I do. This is why I enjoy my work with Signify Health — the chance to meet people where they are so we could catch these things."
Work-life balance, flexibility and support
Working part-time, Rasheed also values the perks of the role that support her life outside of work, namely flexibility.
She can fit her schedule around her two high schoolers’ activities, including cheerleading and soccer competitions. With this in mind, Rasheed acts as an enthusiastic, albeit unofficial, recruiter, routinely telling her colleagues and friends who are tired of their current roles to “come on over” to Signify Health for the flexibility and the deeply rewarding work.
“Walking out these homes when the member and their family members are walking you to the door, walking you to the car, still talking to you, don’t want you to leave, you know you did something right. And that makes me proud every day.”
Are you a clinician interested in helping health plan members gain a more comprehensive view of their health? To learn more about opportunities with Signify Health, visit our clinical careers page.